Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower will not or hard to shift, peerless transaxles, sears

Question
Hi,
My lawn mower is a 18.0 HP Craftsman, electric start, 6 speed tansaxle.  It will shift up into 1st, 2nd, etc. but it is VERY hard to get it to shift back to 1st., neutral, or reverse.  Swearing at it has not helped, I hope you can.

Thank you,
Julie

Answer
Hi Julie
If I had a nickle for every Craftsman rider that experienced this problem....................

I'm sorry I don't have a "fix" for this, its an issue with the series of peerless transaxles Sears used on these mowers.  All six  speeds, 18-19 hp "grey" manual mowers.

You can shift easier by rocking the mower when you try to shift.

I own one of these mowers- the only solace I can offer is mine has over the years gotten marginally easier to shift.

sorry  :(